FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Poland Awaits After Penultimate Clash
The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup journey for African teams heads into a critical phase. The third round of qualifiers is set to take place from February 6 to February 14, 2026. This round will determine which 16 teams progress to the final stage of the competition.
Upcoming Matches in the Qualifiers
Some compelling matchups are on the calendar, including:
- Nigeria vs Senegal: This clash features two strong youth teams with significant history.
- Ghana vs South Africa: A tactical showdown between two strategically adept nations.
- Côte d’Ivoire vs DR Congo: Anticipated as a physical contest with an uncertain outcome.
- Kenya vs Tanzania: A regional derby that promises unpredictability.
- Zambia vs Uganda: Another derby that could go either way.
These matches will take place over two legs, with teams looking to solidify their standings for the next round. The pressure is on as the stakes escalate.
Significance of the Third Round
This round is particularly pivotal as only 16 teams will secure a spot in the fourth and final round. This next phase will ultimately decide which teams represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled for September 5 to September 27, 2026, in Poland.
Match Schedule
Below is the detailed schedule of the qualifying matches:
| Date | Time (GMT) | Match |
|---|---|---|
| February 6, 2026 | 13:30 | Egypt vs Benin |
| February 7, 2026 | 13:00 | Kenya vs Tanzania |
| February 7, 2026 | 14:00 | Uganda vs Zambia |
| February 7, 2026 | 16:00 | Nigeria vs Senegal |
| February 7, 2026 | 17:00 | Cameroon vs Botswana |
| February 7, 2026 | 17:00 | Guinea-Bissau vs Malawi |
| February 8, 2026 | 16:30 | Ghana vs South Africa |
| February 8, 2026 | 18:00 | Côte d’Ivoire vs DR Congo |
| February 13, 2026 | 14:00 | Botswana vs Cameroon |
| February 13, 2026 | 17:00 | Benin vs Egypt |
| February 14, 2026 | 13:30 | Malawi vs Guinea-Bissau |
| February 14, 2026 | 14:00 | Tanzania vs Kenya |
| February 14, 2026 | 14:00 | South Africa vs Ghana |
| February 14, 2026 | 14:00 | Zambia vs Uganda |
| February 14, 2026 | 16:00 | DR Congo vs Côte d’Ivoire |
| February 14, 2026 | 18:00 | Senegal vs Nigeria |
Fans can look forward to thrilling matches as teams aim for a spot in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, showcasing the best of African women’s football.